What are the Different Medical Health Services?

There are many different types of medical health services depending on what type of medical care a person needs. Medical health services can be broadly broken up into emergency response care, treatment, preventive medicine, mental health and natural health. Each of the different medical health services meets a different need within the medical community.

Emergency medical services are appropriate when a person is in a critical situation. A heart attack or a stroke requires emergency medical attention, as do situations such as being shot or stabbed or otherwise experiencing a painful or life-threatening situation that requires immediate medical attention. Emergency medical response teams are on staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week in emergency rooms to respond to these types of medical situations.

Treatment for chronic illness is another type of medical health service that is provided. Typically, this type of treatment is provided by specialists or general practitioners, depending on the nature of the illness. Examples of such services include treatment for cancer or diabetes, as well as treatment for less serious but still chronic illnesses such as acid reflux disease.

Acute illnesses also require treatment from those providing medical health services. Examples of acute illnesses are one-time illnesses that occur that can be resolved or treated in a relatively simple manner. Strep throat is one such example that can be treated with antibiotics. Other one-time illnesses may require surgery to treat, such as torn ligaments or tendons, although such problems can be classified as either chronic or acute depending on the situation.

Preventive medicine services are provided by general practitioners. These types of services include regular checkups as well as education on nutrition and good health. Medical screenings and preventive care can catch illnesses before they begin and can help a person remain healthy so no acute or chronic conditions develop.

Mental health services are normally considered a separate classification of health services. These types of services are focused on identifying mental health problems as opposed to physical problems. Mental health services may deal with temporary conditions, such as depression or sadness during difficult life events, or may address serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia.

Finally, natural health or alternative medicine is widely considered an alternative option to traditional medical health services. Natural health may include holistic medicine, acupuncture and chiropractic care. Such services are usually designed to either treat non-life threatening conditions or to serve as a method of achieving overall health.